**UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION: A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 135 N. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. A Celebration of Life reception will be held at the Michaywe Clubhouse from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Beryl Jane “B.J.” Powell, age 80, of Gaylord, MI passed away peacefully with her son Mike by her side on February 10, 2022, at the Brook in Gaylord.
She was born Beryl Jane Fulmer on July 11, 1941, in Bridgewater Township, NJ to Walter and Gertrude (Ballantine) Fulmer.
B.J. grew up in central New Jersey graduating from Somerville High School in 1959. After graduation, she attended Olivet College, Olivet, MI graduating in 1963, with a degree in teaching. At Olivet College, she met her future husband Robert “Bob” Powell. They were married on August 8, 1964. After graduation B.J. embarked on a career in education spanning more than 30 years.
B.J. and Bob landed in Gaylord, MI in 1967. They fell in love with the community and the community loved them right back. She made countless friends she considered to be like family, particularly the “card club” and has called Gaylord home ever since.
B.J. spent the vast majority of her career in education with Gaylord Community Schools in various capacities and positions. She took a hiatus from teaching to raise two boys and later followed her passion for gardening by owning and operating a flower shop. Eventually, she returned to teaching for several years before retiring to her cottage on Otsego Lake where she enjoyed the outdoors. Ultimately, she transitioned to the Brook in Gaylord where she cherished the camaraderie of the residents but especially the staff who provided her an unbelievable level of care.
B.J. is survived by her two sons, Michael (Shelly) Powell and Robert (Kelly) Powell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Carol (Powell) Kenyon, and her brother-in-law Joseph O’Brien as well as her constant companion and best friend, her dog Hawkeye, who now has a new loving home.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marilyn (Fulmer) O’Brien; husband, Robert Powell, and her sister-in-law Joann Powell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Otsego County Animal Shelter, 256 Fairview Rd., Gaylord, MI 49735, or The Care Team Hospice, 604 W. Main St., Suite A, Gaylord, MI 49735, through Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
14 comments on “Beryl “B.J.” Powell”
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Powell. She was a kind teacher and always had an encouraging word.
Mike! We are so sorry! Ophelia and Richard Townsend! Your Mom was a special Lady!
Mrs. Powell was like my “up north” mom, always there welcoming Mike and his friends and cooking delicious meals late at night or her world-famous breakfast casserole in the morning. Thoughts and prayers from peepers CMU crew. BJ you will be dearly missed.
Mark Stuligross “Stu”
So sorry to hear this news. A group of us went to sing Christmas carols to her last Christmas. We couldn’t go in so we sang at her window. It was cold but she opened her window wide and clapped and sang along with us. She had the biggest smile on her face. I loved teaching with BJ. She was so loving and caring to her students. Rest In Peace BJ.
I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Powell. I sure have a lot of great memories of her kindness. She raised two amazing sons and was so proud of them both. Prayers to her friends and family.
Mike and Bob,
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was a great lady and I have fond memories of your Dad and her. God Bless them both and they are missed by many friends.
Billy Borst
Mike and Bob, so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was there for Eric when our family needed her love. She was a serving, beautiful soul.
Thoughts and prayers for Bobby, Mike and family. Ur mom was a very kind and gracious person. Always a big smile. She raised two great boys. Will miss her
Mike and Bob, my condolences as you grieve. Thinking of your mom who always had a smile and a warm greeting. God Bless.
Mike,
Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
She sounded like an amazing person and it shows in you.
May she Rest In Peace.
B.J. was such a great lady with many great stories. Sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers for her family.
Thoughts and prayers to Bobby, Mike, and family. Your mom always had a big smile, kind, and was a generous person. Will miss her. She raised two great boys.
They don’t make people much better than B.J. Powell.
I had the pleasure of meeting B.J. while she was with us at the Brook! She was a very kind-hearted, loving person and a pure joy to be around. I’m glad I was able to enjoy her company if only for a little while. She will surely be missed!